[ayusdream]

Hi, I have been working in this public accounting firm for 5 years and going into 6 years. I quit couple months ago to study for my CPA exam, now I have passed 2, and planning to finish off before summer.

Just 2weeks ago, my old boss wanted me to come back and help out the firm, and I agreed to it, and I am helping him 3 days a week. After he learned that I passed the 2 exams, and he explicitly stated that he will not certify me if I do not plan to work for him afterward. He mentioned that he wanted me to work for 1 year full time continuously before he will certify, and other CPAs that he certified all left him afterward immediately once they became CPAs and he was very unhappy about that.

I do not want to wait for another year to get certify, and clearly I know I do not want to work for him, what other options do I have? I do not want to turn this into an awkward situation.

[Tim]

Yeah, this clearly seems like an unethical act by a CPA. Your state board (or whatever state he's licensed in) would most likely be interested in one of their CPA's behaving that way.

[alloverit]

I'm not sure he has a choice. The five years experience (assuming it was as an accountant) is enough all by itself.

Technically, he does have a choice, but I think he can get disciplined for such actions. Hope it's worth it for him, though when push comes to shove…he might get away with playing dumb…cause it sure sounds like he is.

[Floreat]

Hi, ayusdream. I'm really sorry to read about your trouble. NASBA's experience verification service might be a good option for you, when the time comes. While CA isn't covered, you may be able to transfer your scores to another state. Definitely worth looking into. Good luck on the rest of your exams.

https://nasba.org/products/experienceverification/

FAR: 80
AUD: 85
REG: 77
BEC: 79

[Sir Plus]

honestly sounds like your best bet is to consult an attorney; employers have gotten sued for unethical practice, for less, and lost.

[ellejay]

I'd call the board and ask what can be done. I'd also not waste my time working for him. After a year goes by he could decide he needs you for another year and refuse again, and keep doing that over and over again. And who wants to work somewhere based on manipulation? It sounds like CA has rules against what he is doing – I'd inquire to the board what can be done.

[Mike J]

I agree with some of the responders–see if you can get your boss to confirm his policy via email.

Without being accusatory, I would email (on his business email) a link to the state licensure requirements. And, simply ask him for clairification.

Question–do you work in tax? If you do, maybe you can show tax returns from different years you prepared. IRS requires the preparer to sign. There also shouldnt be any risk of disclosure violation because the reason for its use would be like a quality review for a CPA firm (you wouldn't need client permission) I believe.

Someone here correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway it may be worth a try

[Author]

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